Canadiens News

Josh's stamp of approval

by
Staff Writer
/ Montréal Canadiens

MONTREAL- With more than a half-dozen new faces heading to the Canadiens dressing room this season, starting off the year with mandatory nametags might not be a bad idea. While the team will have to wait until September to get the bonding underway, at least one new acquisition is already coming to Montreal backed by some serious street cred.

Arriving to camp with five NHL seasons and a Stanley Cup already in his back pocket, the Canadiens’ newest left winger Travis Moen has already proven what he can bring to the party. While his experience speaks for itself, it doesn’t hurt that one of the Habs’ young veterans is also one of his biggest supporters.

“I played junior with Travis in Kelowna for two years and he’s still a close friend of mine,” offered Habs blue-liner Josh Gorges, who captained the Rockets to the Memorial Cup championship in 2004. “He phoned me right after he signed before the news was even released; he was so excited. He’s a great guy and I think he’s going to be a big surprise for everyone here.”

Previously suiting up for Chicago, Anaheim and San Jose, the gritty forward helped lead the Ducks to the Cup in 2007, notching seven goals and 12 points in the postseason. While the 6-foot-2 Stewart Valley, SK native has proven he can score in the clutch, Moen’s A-game is all about throwing his weight around and getting his nose dirty.

“People here are going to love the way he plays,” promised Gorges. “He’s a great team player – one of those guys who will stand up for all his teammates and be there no matter what, always contributing and always doing whatever he can for the team.”

According to Gorges, fans ready to swoon over Moen’s hard-nosed play in regular season matchups will be even more impressed with his play come springtime.

“The best thing about Travis is he always seems to come up big in big games. That’s the kind of guy you want to have on your team and I can’t wait to see him out there in a Canadiens jersey.”